Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound) 2025 - 8 Day River Cruise Lyon to Arles

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Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound) 2025

8 Day River Cruise Lyon to Arles



Tour Description:

Provence presents the ultimate field of dreams with row upon row of bursting purple haze. With its abundant menu of immersive experiences from Lyon to Arles, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone presents the ultimate vacation of dreams.

Bird watching from the seat of a bicycle. Gorge gorging from the perspective of a kayak. Wine tasting from the cool depths of a cave. These are just a few of the ways our wide array of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions lets you choose how to interact with the scenery, the artistic, and the culinary scenes of France. Whether you admire ancient masterpieces or join a painting workshop – devour haute cuisine or gobble up a French cooking class – the world is your oyster on an Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone.


Move.
Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:

•Join an urban hike through Lyon’s secret passageways for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade.
•Take in the panoramic views from the seat of a rail bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux.
•Cool off with a special underground wine tasting accompanied by a cave guide and winemaking expert.


And be moved.
Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:

•Join a cooking class in the gastronomic capital of Lyon and make your own Lyonnaise specialty.
•Discover how essential oils are created at an authentic Provencal farmhouse.
•Mimic the brushstrokes of Van Gogh in a painting workshop in Arles where the artist created some of his most famous works.


Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.

Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Rhone.

Map for Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound) 2025 - 8 Day River Cruise Lyon to Arles
Click for larger view.

Dates & Pricing

Monday 28 Jul 25 — Tuesday 05 Aug 25Starting at $4,399Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 08 Sep 25 — Tuesday 16 Sep 25Starting at $3,849Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.


Destination & Sightseeing

Day 1 Lyon (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception
Day 2 Lyon: Choice of culinary tour, or guided urban hike, or cooking class
Day 3 Tain l'Hermitage/Tournon-Viviers: Choice of rail-bike tour along the Gorges du Doux, or guided hike in the vineyards, or guided tour of Tournon, or tour of the Valrhona factory and museum; Lyonnaise specialties cooking demonstration; evening guided tour in Viviers
Day 4 Viviers-Avignon: In Avignon choice of guided kayak trip down the Gorges de l'Ardèche, or guided hike in the Natural Reserve of Cirque d'Estre, or guided speleological excursion with wine tasting in the caves; evening guided tour of Viviers
Day 5 Avignon: Choice of guided tour, or guided mountain e-bike tour, or Provencal farmhouse experience
Day 6 Arles: Choice of guided tour in Arles, meeting a bullfighter, guided hike through the Hell Valley, or painting workshop
Day 7 Port-Saint-Louis: Choice of excursion to a local oyster farm with tasting, visit a bull ranch, or bike tour through the Camargue Regional Natural Park
Day 8 Arles (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning
Notes:
  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

ITINERARY

Day 1
LYON, FRANCE (EMBARKATION) Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Lyon must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON LYON-CITY-VIEW.jpg

Day 2
LYON A Festival of Colors, Aromas, and Taste Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. ACTIVE Take a Guided Urban Hike through Lyon’s secret passageways (Traboules) for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Culinary Walk through Lyon to discover architecture and local specialties in a festival of colors, aromas and taste—exclusive for Avalon guests, OR: DISCOVERY Join our Cooking Class to learn to make your own Lyonnaise specialty. This afternoon, you might take an off-the-beaten-path Guided Optional Tour (Avalon exclusive) through private and public terraces for panoramic views of Lyon, starting on the roof of the Basilica de Fourvière. EVENING CRUISE TO TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON LYON-BRIDGE.jpg
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Day 3
TAIN L’HERMITAGE/TOURNON Chocolatiers and Railway Engineers in the Twin City Gorge ACTIVE For a unique experience and panoramic views, join a Guided Excursion this morning on a rail-bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux, OR: ACTIVE Join a Guided Hike in the picturesque vineyards surrounding the twin cities of Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage, OR: DISCOVERY Have a true “chocolate experience” with a tour of the Valrhona Chocolate Factory and Museum, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Tournon—twin city to Tain-l’Hermitage and one of France’s oldest medieval cities. You’ll see its imposing 16th-century castle. DISCOVERY Join a Cooking Demonstration and learn how to prepare a Lyonnaise treat while sailing to Viviers. VIVIERS Fascinating History, and Nighttime Ghost Stories DISCOVERY For a different perspective on the town, join us on a nighttime Guided Tour of Viviers, discovering the legends, tales and ghost stories of this enchanting town. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIVIERS VIVIERS-SCENIC.jpg
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Day 4
VIVIERS–LOCK BOLLÈNE River Gorge Kayaks, Underground Wines, and Ghost Stories ACTIVE Immerse yourself in the scenery with a Guided Kayak Trip in the Gorges de l’Ardèche on the spectacular canyons of this Rhône tributary, OR: ACTIVE Find inspiration from the amazing landscape of the region with a Guided Hike through the Natural Reserve of Cirque d’Estre, OR: ACTIVE Join a Guided Visit for a surprising underground Wine Tasting—under the direction of an expert Speleologist (cave guide) and an oenologist (wine-making expert). Cruise through the soaring walls of the Lock Bollène on your way to Avignon this afternoon. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON VIVIERS-ARDECHE.jpg
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Day 5
AVIGNON Bike Pedals, Papal Palaces, and Perfumes in Provence ACTIVE Join a leisurely Guided Mountain E-Bike Ride through Gard region; after all, no need to pedal on the way back, OR: DISCOVERY Visit an authentic Provencal farmhouse for a delightful experience to fill your senses as you see how essential oils are created, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Avignon, including a visit to the world’s largest gothic fortress—the 14th-century Palace Of the Popes. Also, explore Les Halles’ covered market. This afternoon, you may choose to join a Guided Optional Tour of the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting, or you may opt for a Guided Optional Excursion on a kayak through the waters of Pont du Gard—the highest of all elevated Roman aqueducts. You may choose to spend free time to explore Avignon—known as the heart of Provence. Take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride through the tree-lined streets and leafy squares within Avignon’s medieval walls. EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES AVIGNON-BIKING.jpg
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Day 6
ARLES A Master Painter and a Matador in Provence Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. ACTIVE Experience the legends of Val d’Enfer with a Guided Hike; an area taking its name from the unique white limestone rock formations, OR: DISCOVERY Attend a Painting Workshop to learn techniques of Vincent van Gogh. Create your own painting in the style of the legendary artist, OR: CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Arles to get to know this charming town, including a visit with a local bullfighter to learn about the secrets and traditions handed down through generations. This afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, stroll, or just relax in a lovely park along Arles’ Boulevard des Lices. Alternatively, feel free to choose one of the optional excursions on offer. Later, enjoy on board live entertainment. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES ARLES-PAINTING-CLASS-2.jpg
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Day 7
PORT-SAINT-LOUIS Oysters and Flamingos in the Rhône Delta Enjoy a morning cruise to Port-Saint-Louis on the Sky Deck of your ship. ACTIVE Take a Guided Bike Ride through the Camargue Natural Park with an eye out for more than 400 bird species—including pink flamingos—along the trails of the Mediterranean’s Rhône delta, OR: DISCOVERY Enjoy a taste of local life with a visit to an oyster farm in the Camargue Natural Park on a Guided Tour to enjoy an oyster tasting and learn how this delicacy is farmed, OR: DISCOVERY Visit one of France’s most popular and pristine nature reserves on this memorable visit to a traditional black bull ranch in Camargue Regional Nature Park! OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ARLES PORT-SAINT-LOUIS.jpg
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Day 8
ARLES (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Flights should not leave Marseille airport before 10 am. ARLES-SCENIC.jpg

Accommodations

LyonMarseille
Pullman Lyon
Superior First-Class

Hotel as shown or similar

44 Boulevard Vivier Merle Lyon France

Situated in Lyon, the Hotel has 168 elegant and air-conditioned rooms, fully furnished with a desk, a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with hairdryer and free toiletries. A buffet, continental or American breakfast is avaiable each morning at the property. Discover the gourmet dished at the elegant restaurant, the local and exotic cocktails all assembled by the mixologist at the bar, relax at the patio or enjoy the well equipped fitness area.
Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.

FAQ Avalon Cruises Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Pavlus Travel tells you there's a wide World out there just waiting to be explored on river cruises by you, and Avalon Waterways like Pavlus Travel knows there is more than a river cruise for you and your family to see it all. Why not experience local cities, villages, and countrysides your way with a wide selection of active excursions and activities brought to you by Avalon River Cruises that put you right in the middle of it all. Borrow a bike to ride through the streets of Amsterdam, grab a Nordic walking stick to capture the castle with a hike up the vineyard off the Rhine River, or paddle a canoe along Austria’s river shores. Pavlus makes it easy to turn sightseeing into doing your adventure in real time. You’ll find all the guidance and gear you from Avalon Waterways staff to embark on an expedition of your own. From a complimentary yoga class aboard your Avalon River Cruise to a jogging tour of Vienna or an optional kayaking excursion. Know that Pavlus Travel discounts Avalon River Cruises be they in Europe or the Far East. You'll enjoy every Avalon River Cruises Ship.